Everyday practical information for Zambia

Power and water are rationed

• Drought has cut hydropower output, and Zambia depends on it. The result is prolonged, nationwide load shedding and water rationing, with fines for breaching water restrictions.
• Outages take out public lighting and traffic lights, telecommunications, security systems, shops, hotels, banks and ATMs. Plan the first day around that rather than being surprised by it: torch, power bank, cash in hand, and a hotel that says what its generator covers.

Driving

• Traffic drives on the left.
• Turning left at a red light is prohibited, which is the trap for anyone used to a permitted turn on red.
• A vehicle must carry two metallic emergency triangles, white reflector stickers at the front and red at the back. Heavy fines follow if it does not, so check the hire car before you drive it away.
• A UK photocard or Canadian licence is valid for 90 days. Longer than that needs an International Driving Permit or a Zambian licence. Hire firms often demand an IDP, a year's experience and a higher minimum age anyway.
• Penalties for drink driving are severe, and the Road Traffic and Safety Agency prosecutes through a fast-track court.

The seasons decide the roads

• Rains run roughly December to April, and the FCDO gives November to April. Sudden floods wash away bridges and roads, and rural roads can become impassable.
• The dry season, May to October, has become more severe, which is the drought that took the power with it.

Power sockets

• Type G, the British three pin, at 230 V and 50 Hz. A UK plug goes straight in.

Manners and documents

• Dress conservatively, avoid kissing in public and behave discreetly.
• Carry identification or a certified copy at all times. A certified copy can be obtained from an immigration office or a police station.
• Demonstrations happen in Lusaka and other urban areas, especially around elections, can turn violent and can block transport. Leave if a crowd forms, and never cross a protester roadblock.